Buyer’s Guide: The Best Hybrid Bikes for Women

Cycling is more than just a trend. It satiates the desire and necessity to get from point A to point B, whether you’re out for a weekend uphill or making your way to school.

Along with men’s selections, women’s bicycles are equally diverse, stylish and functional. When it comes to hybrid bikes, there are more than enough to choose from nowadays.

If you’re out in the market for one, then look no further. Below, we’ll be sharing with you our very own buyer’s guide to the best hybrid bikes for women. But first, let’s start with a few things to help you make your decision.

What’s a hybrid bike?

A hybrid ﻿bike sits somewhere between a road and mountain bike, hence the name. Mountain bikes can be a bit too much to use on inner-city roads. At the same time, road bikes aren’t pose critical limitations when used on much rougher trails. That’s why hybrid bikes are the best of both worlds, allowing you to enjoy all kinds of roads with ease, comfort and safety.

There are plenty of characteristics unique to hybrid bikes. First, its frame generally has a fairly fixed geometry. Plus, this kind of bike comes with a flat handlebar rather than the typical dropped handlebars. Its short top tube and tall head tube allows riders to be in a more upright and relaxed riding position. Furthermore, hybrid bikes comes with a top tube that is sloped downwards from the front of the bike towards the back. This makes it easy for female riders to get on and off no matter what they’re wearing.

Why buy a hybrid bike?

Hybrid bikes are popular for many reasons. If you’re looking to buy one to use for your daily commute or off-road weekend trips, then here are some of the advantages of owning a hybrid bike.

Versatile

Hybrid bikes are equipped with tires that are designed with a rough tread on the outside and a smooth parallel thread on the inside. This makes it convenient for women to go to work, join their peers on a weekend ride or enjoy the park with their kids.

Comfortable

Mountain bikes often force the riders to be in unnatural contorted positions. This leads to aches and pains we wished we never had to experience the morning after. Lucky for you, hybrid bikes are made for comfort, thanks to its long and flat handlebars as well as well-built frame.

Brakes are in the right place

Some bikes nowadays make it difficult to reach and use the brakes. However, hybrid bikes come with brakes that are just in the right place. They’re positioned at the ends of the flat handlebars that require zero over-reaching.

Easy to keep up

The gear settings of hybrid bikes are standard but are quite similar to that of mountain bikes. This way, you don’t have to put in so much effort trying to keep up with your riding peers who are on mountain bikes. Plus, many hybrid bikes nowadays come with a variety of speed shifting so trust that you can pick up the pace.

Factors to Consider When Buying a Hybrid Bike

We all want our money’s worth. When it comes to choosing a hybrid bike, you shouldn’t just be after the price. It’s also important to consider other things that will make your choice worth every penny.

Here are critical factors to think about once you’re in the selection process.

Cost

Of course, you’d want a hybrid bike that’s worth your investment. There are so many to choose from, ranging from hundreds to thousands of dollars. Brands like Schwinn, Retrospec and many more each offer something slightly different with prices that may or may not break the bank.

At the end of the day, you’d want a women’s hybrid bike that’s loaded with the features you need and justifies the price tag it comes with. You also want to make sure that it comes with enough versatility and customization options should you wish to personalize yours further.

Primary Function

Sure, hybrid bikes are highly adaptive to various trails and roads. However, knowing what you will mainly use it for counts for what features you should look into.

For example, hybrid bikes with a front suspension fork are great for cobbled roads and more notorious trails. Alternatively, hybrid bikes equipped with lighter frames and narrow tires are perfect for long, daily commutes. Whichever you choose, it’s best to have a hybrid bike that will serve its purpose well.

Sizing

The level of comfort you attain when riding hybrid bikes is highly influenced by the its sizing. The last thing you want is to invest on one that makes it challenging for you to sit properly. Furthermore, you wouldn’t want a bike that’s too tall that you can’t even lay your foot flay and firmly on the ground.

Make sure you check a sizing chart first before buying online. If you’re going to the bike shop to personally check your options, be sure to test it out first. Hop on it and see if it’s the right fit.

Frameset

Your future hybrid bike’s drivetrain (derailleurs, cassette, chain) as well as your tires, brakes and other components can all be replaced and upgraded. However, its frameset is always going to stay. This is why it’s very important to consider the best frameset when looking for a women’s hybrid bike.

You want the perfect blend of weight, durability and wielded technology. If you’re not too knowledgeable on this, you can always ask for help from the pros or take a trip to the bikeshop.

Other Components

Apart from the frameset, it’s also essential to think of your future bike’s components. For instance, you’d want brakes that don’t just have a strong “bite” to them. You should also go for one that’s strategically positioned so it’s easy to reach.

The seat is another important part you should look into. They come in all sizes, textures and styles. Ultimately, you’d want one that’s comfortable even during longer rides.

6 Best Hybrid Bikes for Women

There are tons of hybrid bikes for women available in the market today. We’ve done the dirty work and managed to round up six hybrid bikes that are worth looking into. Here’s our list, from good to best.

The Metropole boasts of a timeless, classic design that instantly appeals to a wide range of women riders. However, don’t be fooled. Its simple and straightforward design doesn’t equate to “basic”. In fact, it comes with adequate features that make it highly adaptive to a lot of different trails and roads.

The Gama Bikes Women’s Hybrid Urban Bike comes with a lightweight alloy frame. This makes it easy to carry around a flight of stairs, lift for storage and even navigate through the narrowest of alleys. Plus, it’s adorned with accessories reminiscent of retro bikes namely a vintage bell, a chain guard, a basket and a classic brown saddle seat. It’s definitely a vintage-looking bike you’d want to show off in the city or by the beach.

Another great feature of this bike is that it comes with an 8-Speed Shimano rear derailleur. This is the gold standard for value among urbanites and suburban dwellers whether they need a hybrid bike for crosstown commuting or inner-city riding.

What We Love About It:

There’s a lot to love about the Gama Bikes Women's Metropole Step-Thru 8 Speed Shimano Hybrid Urban Cruiser Commuter Road Bicycle. First, its classic retro style is easily eye-catching. You even have various color options to choose from. Second, it comes with your standard 26” wheels that makes them easy to replace and change in a jiffy.

Another is that this hybrid bike caters to women’s heights from 5’1” to 5’8”, giving it adequate versatility to women of various sizes. What’s more, it’s got gear-shifting capabilities flexible for various terrains.

What We Hate About It:

There are a handful misses as well when it comes to the Metropole Hybrid Bike. First, it comes 65% partially assembled. The front tire, the basket, the handles, the seat, pedals, the bell, brakes and chains arrive unattached. Unless you have professional experience assembling bikes, you will need to take it to the bikeshop and spend more to piece it together. This can be a major setback among those who want to save up the dollars for setting up.

The fenders could also be problematic. They may not properly align with the tires, thus making it distracting and challenging to ride. Furthermore, this hybrid bike could use better resistance, as it sometimes feel too light when going downhill.

5. Northwoods Springdale Women's 21-Speed Hybrid Bicycle

Coming in on 5th place is the Northwoods Springdale Women's 21-Speed Hybrid Bicycle clad in 700c tires. Compared to the Metropole, this doesn’t come with a classic vintage style. However, it comes with a straightforward style that will also appeal to many female riders out there who want a simple-looking hybrid bike but with a subtle hint of sophistication.

The Springdale Hybrid Bike also comes with a handcrafted aluminum frame that’s not just easy to maintain. It’s also a lot easier to navigate through narrower, more challenging trails compared to full-steel frame sets. Plus, its frame is specifically designed to provide you prolonged comfort since you’ll be seating in an upright position. Northwoods has also decked this one out with comfort-rise handlebars soy you don’t have to exert too much effort during your ride.

Another feature that makes this hybrid bike stand out is it comes with a 21-Speed Shimano gear shifter. It ensures you the ease, safety and comfort in riding on smooth roads, hilly trails and uneven paths and potholes. This is on flexible cycle you can count on whatever the riding situation is. To top it all off, the Northwoods Springdale Hybrid Bike for women is equipped with alloy rims, an alloy quick release seat clamp, a rear rack, and fenders.

What We Love About It:

Compared to the Metropole, this hybrid bike is a lot easier to put together. We still recommend you bring it to the bikeshop for tune up. However, with basic tools, a little bit of know-how and a few YouTube videos, you’d assemble this hybrid beauty together in no time. Plus, you’ll be riding this one in an upright position, ensuring comfort even during long-distance trips.

Another reason we like this hybrid bike a lot is it comes with an extremely flexible and easy-to-use gear shifters. Whether you’re off to school, office or going for a weekend ride to the beach, you can trust that its Shimano speed-shifter works like a charm. What’s more, it boasts of linear pull brakes that are powerful enough to bring you to a full, confident stop.

What We Hate About It:

The Springdale hybrid bike also comes with a few minor setbacks. First, it’s unforgivingly heavy. It does say it comes with a lightweight frame. However, upon receiving it, we realize it’s a very heavy bike that you’ll require some help bringing it up the stairs.

Another drawback of this bike is that it’s not packaged well. Upon arrival, you may encounter scratched (or even) broken parts. It’s best to contact Northwoods immediately. Furthermore, bring it to the bikeshop for an overall checkup just before you bring it out on the road.

Diamondback has been known to churn out some of the most stylish and functional bikes today. It only made sense for them to come up with hybrid bikes catering specifically to women. This time, we’re zeroing in on their sleek Diamondback Bicycles 2016 Women's Clarity 1 Complete Performance Hybrid Bike.

It boasts of the kind of design perfect for female riders who don’t want their bikes looking too soft and feminine. This one’s got a polished, smooth and strong finish to it. It’s brilliant to ride on whether you’re making your way to work or tackling some slopes on the countryside.

What makes this stand out is that it comes with a butted 6061-T6 Aluminum Clarity Performance Hybrid Frame as well as a Clarity Integrated Hi Ten Ferrous Aero Straight Blade Fork. This makes it particularly powerful even on the most uneven roads and bumpy trails you’ll get yourself in. Plus, it’s armed with 32h Equation R23 Double Wall Alloy Rims that lets you ride this bad boy the whole day without it wearing out. Did we mention it also comes with a Shimano Altus Rear Derailleur with 7 Speed Shifters for seamless shifting?

What We Love About It:

Perhaps the biggest reason we love this bike is it’s extremely sensible. It had its female rider in mind for its design and function. From the linear pull brakes for a quick stop to the flexible gear-shifting, it’s made exactly for women who want to their biking further but always in style. Plus, it caters to a wide range of heights so you don’t have to worry about discomfort and unnecessary back pains.

Another reason to love this bike is it’s light and a breeze to put together. However, it won’t hurt visiting the bike shop to give it a tune up. Other than that, this is an underdog you’d want on your team if you’re out for a hybrid bike that looks and feels good.

What We Hate About It:

The only thing you may want to take into account is the packaging. Many have complained about receiving their bikes with broken or scratched parts. It’s best to contact the store right away for replacements.

3. Retrospec Venus Dutch Step-Thru City Comfort Hybrid Bike

Nothing is more retro than the Retrospec Venus Dutch Step-Thru City Comfort Hybrid Bike. Just one glance and you can instantly fall in love with its timeless look yet quirky appearance. It’s truly a massive plus to the female riders who want a head-turning two-wheel beauty on the road.

Beyond its looks, this hybrid bike packs a punch. From its hand-built, tig-welded, high-tensile strength steel step-thru frame, front and rear brakes to its Kenda commuter tires, this bike is serious about providing the overall experience. It’s even adorned with thoughtful accessories like the back rack, metal fenders, a chrome head light, and brown vegan grips. This bike is truly the perfect mix of style and function.

What We Love About It:

We immediately fell in love with the Retrospec Venus’ design features. Since we’re big fans of retro, this is definitely one more hybrid bike we’d like to add in our collection. The good news is our love for this bike goes skin deep.

This bike is being sold in three different drivetrains: The Single Speed, the Three-Speed and the Seven-Speed. This makes it an extremely versatile brand for those who want something specifically for them. Whether you rely on your bike for daily commutes, weekend off-trail trips or a ride by the beach, trust that there is a Retrospec Venus Dutch Hybrid Bike just for you. Plus, its accessories are made to not only make this bike a real looker. It also makes the experience for the rider a lot safer and more convenient.

What We Hate About It:

Like the Diamondback, the Retrospec Hybrid Bike has received complaints about scratches, broken parts and damaged paint upon arrival. Again, it’s best to get in touch with the store you bought it from and make the necessary arrangements.

2. Schwinn Discover Women's Hybrid Bike

Getting the silver medal on our list is the highly popular and well-loved Schwinn Discover Women's Hybrid Bike. It’s the brand all bike lovers grew up on. If you want a bike that you can trust no matter the road and turn some heads while you’re riding it, this one’s the real deal.

The Discover Women’s Hybird Bike is the female counterpart of the men’s version. It exudes a softer appearance and made specifically to suit the female rider wherever they ride. It boasts of a 21 Speed SRAM Shifters and a Shimano TX-31 rear derailleur that lets you go fast quickly and safely. Plus, it even comes with the signature Schwinn alloy crank that makes for a fast, strong and confident stop.

Even when you find yourself on the bumpiest roads, this hybrid bike is equipped with a Suntour suspension fork, a super-soft saddle seat and suspension seat post that absorbs impact. You don’t have to worry about feeling the grind when you’re riding this one. To top it all off, its geometry allows riders to stay in an upright and comfortable position even through long journeys.

What We Love About It:

This hybrid bike is a classic that’s worth your investment. It’s beautifully designed for women riders and is packed with features that will ensure you’re getting the most out of it, whatever the riding situation may be. Whether you’re going to the grocery or headed to the park, this bike even comes with a versatile back rack that lets you store your stuff with ease.

Another reason to love this bike is it’s got safety and comfort in mind, no matter how long you’ve been riding it. Thanks to the frame geometry, shock-absorbing seat and speed-shifters, you can be certain this bike will take you where you need to go.

What We Hate About It:

This bike isn’t made for shorter women. Those who stand 5’4” below will have a particularly had time riding this one. Plus, it’s not the best for rougher off-road riding. The good news is you can always upgrade the tires and make it better.

On top of our list and our personal recommendation is the sixthreezero EVRYjourney Women's 26-Inch 7-Speed Step-Through Touring Hybrid Bicycle. This has got to be the best of the best hybrid bike women can get their hands on.

Let’s start with how spectacular it looks. It exudes the retro design paired with contemporary features that are everything you need for a bike in the city or out of it. It comes in three color options, each looking equally glamorous and sophisticated. However, this thing of beauty is more than just about good looks. It offers a plethora of design and function features female riders will love.

Its Shimano 7 Speed Internal Hub makes it ideal for cruising, commuting or a trip to your campus. For whatever purpose you will need a hybrid bike for, the EVRYjourney Women’s Hybrid Bicycle delivers in so many ways, and more. It even comes with a foot-forward seat that allows riders to place their feet firmly on the ground. Plus, it’s equipped with a low swooping frame that lets women get on and off with ease and safety no matter what they’re wearing.

What We Love About It:

There are a lot of benefits to owning this hybrid bike. First, it arrives in pristine condition and 80% assembled. You only need to assemble the pedals, saddle, front wheel and the handlebars together. In no time, you’ll be out enjoying this bike on a lazy Sunday afternoon. What’s more is it’s specifically designed for long-distance rides whilst providing you comfort all the way.

One more thing to love about this hybrid bike is it’s welcoming to a lot of women of various ages and heights. From ages 14 and up and women from 5 feet to 6 feet tall, women from all walks of life will enjoy cruising around town or find better convenience during their daily commute.

The only problem we encountered with this bike that some of the parts may be missing when it arrives. This can easily be fixed by contacting the store you bought from should it happen to you.

CONCLUSION

Take enough time to research which hybrid bike will work best for you. Consider what the pros say, what your budget is and what appeals to you the most. In the end, you want something that’s not just worth your money but also, something that will make you want to ride it every single day.